Sapphire and Gemstones

All gem quality corundum {name derived from the Sanskrit, kuruvinda ("Ruby")} that is not red is called sapphire such as blue, orange, yellow, violet, green, white and pink. Unless a color is stated, sapphire is assumed to be blue. Some sapphires (color change sapphires) will change between blue and violet depending on the light.

There is high quality synthetic sapphire on the market. White sapphire is occasionally used as a diamond substitute. More on...

Colors: Blue, orange, yellow, violet, green, white and pink. Most commonly refers to a blue gem variety of Corundum, but other coloured varieties of Corundum are also described as Sapphire, except red Corundum, which is better known as Ruby.

Lustre: Vitreous

System: Trigonal

Montana Symbol - Gemstone adopted 1969

A century earlier the small multi-colored sapphires angered early placer miners by clogging gold sluices in such places as El Dorado Bar east of Helena. "Sapphire Collins" frequented the streets of Helena in the 1860s with a pocket full of pretty stones. Try as he might to convince local merchants and bankers of the stones' value, he was told bluntly that gold was of prime importance -- anything else was of little worth.
Eastern and European financiers weren't as shortsighted when they learned of Montana's sapphires in the early 1890s. Before long, substantial companies from as far away as London invested in sapphire mines throughout the state.

On Quartz and Rock Creeks west of Philipsburg, or Brown's Gulch and Dry Cottonwood Creek east of Anaconda, or along the Missouri River at El Dorado Bar, French Bar, Magpie Gulch, Metropolitan Bar, and elsewhere, the rush was on. But the sapphire bonanza came in at Yogo Gulch in central Montana's Judith Basin Gulch.

Jake Hoover, friend of cowboy artist Charles Russell, made one of the earliest discoveries of Yogo sapphires. Looking for gold, he found the blue pebbles in the gravels of Yogo Creek in 1896. The Yogo mines attracted wide attention and capital. The U.S. Geological Survey termed the location "America's most important gem location." The British controlled the mines for nearly thirty years, explaining why the beautiful "Cornflower Blue" Yogos are found in the Royal Crown Jewel Collection in London. A unique quality of Yogo sapphires is that they retain their brilliance under artificial light. Sapphires from other parts of the world generally absorb artificial light, making them appear black and lusterless.

Over the years the Yogo mines have produced an estimated forty million dollars in the precious blue gems. The original Yogo mines are currently being worked by commercial companies. The largest cut Yogo is 10.2 carats and is in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Care and Treatment

Generally, sapphire is quite durable. Still, sapphires are subject to chipping and fracture is handled roughly.

Reputable dealers will not use the following misleading terms. However, for your protection, I am listing them here:

 

"Brazilian sapphire" is really blue topaz or similar color tourmaline.

"Lux sapphire", "Lynx sapphire" and "Water Sapphire" are really Iolite.

Hardness

Hardness (Mohs'): 9
Hardness Data: Mohs' hardness reference species
Cleavage: None Observed
Fracture: Irregular/Uneven
Density (measured): 4 - 4.1 g/cm3
Density (calculated): 4.01 g/cm3

Healing

Spiritual enlightenment; inner peace; colic; rheumatism; mental illness; pituitary; metabolic rate of glandular functions; anti- depressant; aids psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance & astral projection; personal expression; also for pain.

Where Found

Good quality sapphire is found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India. The Montana mines in the USA have produced some beautiful cornflower blue sapphires. Darker colored sapphire is mined in Thailand, Australia, and Nigeria. Other mines are in Brazil, Cambodia, Columbia, Kenya, and Malawi.

Birthstone Months

• April: Other Birthstone [White Sapphire]

• May: Mystical Birthstone

• August: Ayurvedic Birthstone

• September: Modern/Traditional Birthstone

Star Stone Months

• Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Birthstone

• Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20): Birthstone/Lucky Charm

• Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22): Birthstone

• Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22): Planetary Stone

• Sagittarius: (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Birthstone

Anniversary Gemstone

Sapphire is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 45th year of marriage.

 
Mystical Properties

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Sapphire is used for clear thinking.

 
Lore

Kings used to wear sapphire around their necks as a powerful defense against harm. The stone preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor.

Sapphire represents truth, sincerity and consistency. Sapphire engagement rings are given to express the commitment and loyalty of their heart. Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring.

The three-ray, six-point star effect seen in some cabochon sapphires happen when rutile inclusions are present. The star on the sapphire moves on the stone as the light from a single source moves.

Sapphire is the US State Gemstone of Montana.

Sapphire is said to be the Fall Gemstone of the Season.